Wheeler: MAP Grant Override Attempt Just Another Lie; State Needs A Budget

on
Wednesday, March 02, 2016

Today, State Representative Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) expressed her bewilderment and dissatisfaction at an attempt by House Democrats to override the Governor’s veto of Senate Bill 2043. A piece of legislation she deemed a lie to college students who depend on MAP Grants to attend college.

“I’m shocked and upset that so many of my colleagues would seek to override the Governor’s veto and knowingly lie to students who depend on MAP Grants,” said Wheeler. “I said it last fall, I said it last month: without a means of funding, we can’t actually pay the money in this bill and without a budget in place it’s just another lie. We need a budget!” In January, House Republicans offered a counter proposal, House Bill 4539, which would provide $1.68 billion from general revenue to adequately fund colleges and universities, and students’ MAP grants. The proposal has sat in limbo, despite a request from House Republicans to craft compromise legislation last week.

Wheeler continued, “The offer of comprise was refuted again just last week. Can the partisan wrangling please stop so we can finally pass a constitutional, balanced budget and stop these unconscionable lies to students, families, and every other person in this state whose funding has been stopped due to this impasse? Let me say it once more, we need a budget now!”